Caoilfhionn hits the target
WEXFORD WESTMEATH 4-10 0-13
WEXFORD MADE the long journey to Tubberclair for their opening match away to Westmeath in the Leinster Under-14 ladies’ football championship.
The game was a very close affair with two evenly-matched teams. Wexford opened the scoring with a fine point from Róisín Hughes, and Westmeath responded soon after.
Wexford got two further points from Caoilfhionn Ní Núalláín and another tidy effort from Hughes. Westmeath responded well with three unanswered points before Ní Núalláín scored the first of her two opening half goals in the 15th minute.
The teams were even approaching half-time but a well taken goal from Ní Núalláín was the difference between the sides at the break, with Wexford leading by 2-5 to 0-8.
Early in the second-half Westmeath scored two classy minors before Wexford responded again.
A similar pattern emerged with two well-matched sides battling it out before Wexford made substitutions that turned the game in their favour. Further points from Ní Núalláín, Hughes, Leiah O’Rourke and substitute Katie Law pushed the visitors clear.
Wexford continued to turn the screw and followed with two fine goals, the first from Nicole Gillen and another by the excellent Ní Núalláín.
Westmeath responded with some clever points but the Slaneysiders’ hard work and some great scores saw them run out worthy winners in the end.
Wexford: Erin Carley; Evelyn Burke, Amy Tobin-Cosgrave, Caitlin Garnett; Aobhe Manley, Imogen Deas, Ellie Nugent; Karen Tomkins, Cora McGrath; Róisín Hughes, Leiah O’Rourke, Leah Furlong; Megan Dee, Caoilfhionn Ní Núalláín, Gráinne Ní hAilín. Subs. - Saidhbhe Byrne for Nugent, Martha Kavanagh for Deas, Nicole Gillen for O’Rourke, Mia Davy Edmunds for Burke, Robyn O’Connor for Furlong, Katie Law for Ní hAilín, Sinéad Roche for Dee, Kiva Kinsella for Carley.
Manager: Peter O’Brien (Bannow-Ballymitty).
Selectors: Aaron O’Neill (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown), Bernadette Nugent (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown), Jenny O’Brien (Clongeen), Nicholas Delahunty (Davidstown-Courtnacuddy), Aisling Carley (Starlights), Shane Murphy (Starlights).